SkyCity Entertainment GroupSkyCity Entertainment Group

OUR BUSINESS
A PLATFORM FOR GROWTH

AT THE HEART OF SKYCITY'S BUSINESS LIES A COMMITMENT TO CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR). WE ARE COMMITTED TO SHOWING LEADERSHIP IN THIS AREA

About SkyCity

SkyCity operates integrated entertainment complexes in New Zealand (Auckland, Hamilton and Queenstown) and in Adelaide, South Australia – each featuring casino gaming facilities and premium restaurants and bars, which appeal to both domestic and international visitors alike. SkyCity also offers premium hotel accommodation in Auckland and Adelaide. 

In addition to its land-based casino operations, the SkyCity Online Casino (based out of Malta) offers New Zealanders an online gaming experience.

 

What's important to us

Shareholder Value

Delivering sustainable total shareholder return that rewards long-term investment with us.

Superlative Experience

Exceeding our customers’ expectations by delivering a world-class entertainment experience.

Community Benefit

Providing demonstrable economic and social benefits to the communities in which we operate.

Corporate Sustainability

Being a good corporate citizen, whilst operating a sustainable and successful business model.

Board of Directors

Senior Management

Julian Cook
Chair

Close

Julian Cook

Julian was Chief Executive Officer of Summerset Group Holdings Limited from 2014 to March 2021 and, prior to becoming Chief Executive Officer, Summerset’s Chief Financial Officer where he oversaw the company’s transition to become a publicly listed company on the New Zealand and Australian stock exchanges.

Prior to joining Summerset in 2010, Julian was an Associate Director at Macquarie Group where he gained significant experience in the energy, industrial services, tourism and aged care sectors over a 12-year career.

Julian is currently a director of WEL Networks Limited, Winton Land Limited and Deakin TopCo Pty Limited, and holds a Master of Finance from Victoria University and a Master of Science from the University of Waikato.

Chair of the People and Culture Committee

Chair of the Governance and Nominations Committee

Member of the Audit Committee

Member of the Risk and Compliance Committee

Member of the Transformation Sub-Committee

Appointed a director of SkyCity in June 2021 and Chair of the SkyCity Board in January 2022

Appointed a director of SkyCity Adelaide in October 2022

Resides in New Zealand

Chad Barton
Director

Close

Chad Barton

Chad has over 25 years of senior executive experience with both global and local listed corporations. His extensive experience spans capital markets, finance, mergers, acquisitions, and property development across technology, entertainment, and services sectors. On 30 August 2024, Chad will step down from his global role as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Nuix Limited, following a highly successful transformation. Previously, he served as Chief Financial Officer at The Star Entertainment Group Limited, Salmat Limited and Electronic Data Systems (EDS) for Australia and New Zealand.

Chad also founded and was the inaugural Chairperson of Women in Gaming & Hospitality Australasia, aiming to achieve gender equity and support the advancement of women in the gaming industry. Additionally, he served on the Boards of NeuRA Foundation and Schizophrenia Research Institute.

He is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand, and holds a Bachelor of Business from the University of Technology, Sydney.

Chair of the Audit Committee

Member of the People and Culture Committee

Member of the Governance and Nominations Committee

Appointed a director of SkyCity in June 2021

Resides in Australia

Kate Hughes
Director

Close

KATE HUGHES

Kate is an experienced non-executive director, holding board and committee roles across a diverse portfolio, including the Victorian Department of Health, SuniTAFE and Lower Murray Water. She also holds committee roles with two Commonwealth regulators, Comcare and the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority.

Prior to embarking on a governance career, Kate held executive roles in risk management, governance and compliance across various sectors, including financial services, agribusiness, fast moving consumer goods, telecommunications, and tertiary education. Her private sector experience is complemented by regulatory experience at the Australian Securities and Investments Commission and NSW Treasury.

Kate holds tertiary qualifications in commerce, applied finance and occupational health and safety, and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Chair of the Risk and Compliance Committee

Member of the Audit Committee

Member of the Governance and Nominations Committee

Member of the Transformation Sub-Committee

Appointed a director of SkyCity in September 2022

Resides in Australia

Glenn Davis
Director

Close

GLENN DAVIS

Glenn has practised as a solicitor in corporate and risk throughout Australia for over 35 years with expertise and experience in the execution of large transactions, risk management and in corporate activity regulated by the Australian Corporations Act and ASX.

Glenn has extensive board experience across the public, private, family and government sectors. He is currently the Chair of ASX-listed company iTech Minerals Limited. He is also chair of a number of large private companies with broad board experience over many years in the manufacturing, resources, retail, property, seafood and primary production industries.

Glenn holds tertiary qualifications in law and economics and is a fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Member of the Risk and Compliance Committee

Member of the Governance and Nominations

Committee Member of the Transformation Sub-Committee

Appointed a director of SkyCity in September 2022

Appointed a director of SkyCity Adelaide and Chair of the SkyCity Adelaide Board in September 2022

Resides in Australia

David Attenborough
Director

Close

DAVID ATTENBOROUGH

David has strong gaming experience with over 12 years’ experience at ASX-listed company Tabcorp Holdings Limited as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director. Prior to joining Tabcorp, he was Chief Executive Officer (South Africa) of Phumelela Gaming and Leisure in South Africa and previously held senior roles with a variety of casino and racing organisations.

David is currently a director of Host-Plus Pty Limited, an Australian-based superannuation fund.

David holds an MBA from Henley Business School and a Bachelor of Science (Honours) from the University of Exeter, and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Member of the Audit Committee

Member of the People and Culture Committee

Member of the Governance and Nominations Committee

Appointed a director of SkyCity in March 2023

Resides in Australia

Donna Cooper
Director

Close

Donna Cooper 

Donna Cooper has over 25 years’ experience in the financial services industry, most recently as Chief Executive Officer of TSB Bank Limited. Prior to this, she was Chief Executive Officer of The Warehouse Financial Services Group and Managing Director and General Manager New Zealand of Baycorp (NZ) Limited. She has also held a number of senior executive roles with American Express International over a 13-year period in New Zealand, Australia, India and the United Kingdom.

Donna is currently a member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors and a member of the Global Women’s Leadership Network. She was the Inaugural Chair of the NZ Bankers’ Association’s Domestic Banks Group and a member of the NZ Bankers’ Association’s Governing Council.

Donna holds a Master of Arts in International Business from the Rennes School of Business, France, and a Bachelor of Business from the Auckland University of Technology. She has attained a Global Competent Boards Certification and Designation (GCB.D) in Sustainability and ESG.

Chair of the Transformation Sub-Committee

Member of the People and Culture Committee

Member of the Risk and Compliance Committee

Member of the Governance and Nominations Committee

Appointed a director of SkyCity in September 2023

Resides in New Zealand

 

Jason Walbridge
Chief Executive Officer

Close

JASON WALBRIDGE

Jason joined SkyCity as Chief Executive Officer in July 2024.  

Jason has over 20 years’ senior executive experience in the global land-based and online gaming industries. Prior to joining SkyCity, he was a Strategic Advisor to global gaming and technology company Aristocrat Leisure Limited on its acquisition of NeoGames S.A, and the Executive Chairman of National Entertainment Network LLC, the largest amusement route operator in the United States. 

He has previously held roles with the online gaming supplier NYX Gaming Group Limited and its acquirer Light & Wonder Inc and spent 18 years with Aristocrat Leisure Limited where he held executive leadership roles in New Zealand and the United States. Prior to this, he held senior roles within consulting and was an Officer in the New Zealand Defence Force.

Jason holds a Master of Business Administration in International Management from the Auckland Institute of Studies.

Callum Mallett
Chief Operating Officer, New Zealand & Australia

Close

Callum Mallett

Callum is the Chief Operating Officer for both the New Zealand and Australian operations and from March-July 2024 undertook the role as interim Chief Executive Officer.

Callum has significant gaming and hospitality experience having held a number of senior roles at SkyCity since joining in 2006, including as General Manager SkyCity Darwin, General Manager SkyCity Auckland Hotels, Convention Centre and Sky Tower, and Executive General Manager of Hospitality for SkyCity Auckland. Prior to joining SkyCity, Callum held numerous senior leadership roles across the hospitality, retail and financial investment sectors.

Callum holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Victoria University of Wellington, and has completed studies with Cornell University, The London Business School and the University of Nevada. Callum currently sits on the board of the Tourism Industry Association NZ.

Peter Fredricson
Chief Financial Officer

Close

PETER FREDRICSON 

Peter joined SkyCity on 5 August 2024 as Incoming Chief Financial Officer and took up the role of Chief Financial Officer on 23 August 2024. He is responsible for the financial management of SkyCity, including reporting, capital markets, treasury, and corporate development. He also oversees SkyCity’s investor relations and internal audit functions.

Peter has over 25 years’ experience in the listed energy and infrastructure sectors and the financial services and investment banking sectors across Australasia, Asia and the Pacific Rim. He was previously Chief Financial Officer of AMP Limited, Acting Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of ASX-listed company Oil Search Limited, Chief Financial Officer at APA Group and Chief Financial Officer of Vector Limited.

Peter is a Chartered Accountant, holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Auckland and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

 

Jo Wong
General Counsel and Company Secretary

Close

Jo Wong

Jo joined SkyCity as Senior Legal Counsel in January 2009 and was appointed as General Counsel and Company Secretary in September 2016. She is responsible for SkyCity’s legal, company secretarial, and regulatory affairs functions and is designated as SkyCity’s Chief Privacy Officer.

Jo has 25 years’ experience in both private practice and in-house legal roles. Before joining SkyCity in 2009, she held General Counsel and Group Corporate Counsel roles in the New Zealand financial services industry and was a Senior Solicitor at Russell McVeagh, one of the leading law firms in New Zealand.

Jo was a finalist in the In-House Lawyer of the Year category in the 2019 and 2020 New Zealand Law Awards and was recognised in New Zealand Lawyer’s 2019 and 2020 In-House Leaders lists as one of the leading lawyers across New Zealand. Jo is a graduate of the 2017 Global Women Breakthrough Leaders Programme, is a member of New Zealand Asian Leaders and holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts from Victoria University of Wellington.

Carolyn Kidd
Chief Risk Officer

Close

Carolyn Kidd

Carolyn joined SkyCity as Chief Risk Officer in April 2023 and is responsible for SkyCity’s risk management effectiveness and the risk, anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing, and host responsibility functions.

Carolyn is an experienced risk executive with an extensive career in the banking and finance industry across Australia and New Zealand. Prior to joining SkyCity, she held a number of senior risk roles, including Chief Risk Officer at Westpac New Zealand, Chief Risk Officer at Bankwest (Commonwealth Bank of Australia), Chief Risk Officer at Sovereign Assurance, and Chief Credit Officer, Acting Chief Risk Officer and Head of Credit Risk Management at ASB Bank Limited. 

Carolyn is currently a director and Senior Fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia and holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Auckland and a Diploma of Banking from Massey University.

Simon Jamieson
Group General Manager, NZICC Development & Tourism

Close

Simon  Jamieson

Simon oversees the development of SkyCity’s New Zealand International Convention Centre and Horizon Hotel project in Auckland. He also oversees SkyCity’s health and safety function and SkyCity’s development projects in New Zealand.

Simon has held a number of senior roles across the business since joining SkyCity in September 2007, including General Manager SkyCity Adelaide, General Manager Hotels SkyCity Auckland and Acting General Manager SkyCity Auckland.

With more than 35 years’ experience in large-scale hospitality businesses, Simon brings a wealth of commercial, property, project and tourism experience to the SkyCity business. Simon has governance experience on industry boards and Local Government owned entities and trusts.

Nirupa George
Chief Corporate Affairs Officer

Close

Nirupa George 

Nirupa joined SkyCity as Chief Corporate Affairs Officer in June 2021 and is responsible for leading SkyCity’s corporate affairs activities, including government, community and industry stakeholder relations and SkyCity’s public policy and advocacy.

Before joining SkyCity, Nirupa was Chief of Staff to the Mayor of Auckland (Phil Goff) and was responsible for running the Mayor’s office and executing his political priorities. Prior to this, she ran Mayor Goff’s successful mayoral campaign in 2016 and worked in Parliament as a Political and Media Advisor. Early in her career, Nirupa was a Senior Solicitor specialising in refugee and humanitarian law.

Nirupa is currently the vice-Chair of Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand and Chair of its Membership and Stakeholders Committee, and a member of the Heart of the City Auckland’s Executive Committee (representing SkyCity). She holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Health Science from the University of Auckland.

Shaun Philp
Chief People and Culture Officer

Close

Shaun Philp

Shaun joined SkyCity as Chief People and Culture Officer in August 2023 and is responsible for leading the development and implementation of best practice people and culture strategy across the SkyCity Group.

Shaun is a senior human resources executive with expertise in supporting leadership and culture transformation, innovation and business execution strategies across the telecommunications, financial services, and infrastructure sectors. Prior to joining SkyCity, Shaun held senior leadership roles across Australia and New Zealand, including Chief People Officer at Chorus New Zealand Limited and Executive General Manager Human Resources at AMP New Zealand.

 

Shaun has a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Auckland and is a graduate of executive management programmes at the Harvard Business School and the London Business School.

 

Andrew McPherson
Chief Information Officer

Close

Andrew McPherson

Andrew McPherson joined SkyCity as Chief Information Officer in November 2023 and is responsible for leading the development and implementation of technology across the SkyCity Group.

Andrew is a senior technology executive with expertise in leading technology transformation, innovation and delivery across the media and entertainment, telecommunications, and infrastructure sectors. Prior to joining SkyCity, Andrew held senior leadership roles across the New Zealand technology industry, including Chief Technology Officer at Stuff Limited, and Head of National Design at Spark.

Andrew has a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Auckland and is a graduate of executive management programmes at Waikato University and the University of Queensland.

Avril Baynes
Managing Director - SkyCity Adelaide

Close

Avril Baynes 

Avril is the Managing Director of SkyCity Adelaide. Previously, she was the Interim Chief Operating Officer in Australia and was responsible for SkyCity’s Adelaide business and overseeing the Australian interstate gaming business. 

Avril first joined SkyCity in March 2015 and held the role of Executive Manager Human Resources and Food and Beverage, and then Executive Manager Tourism and Food and Beverage, at SkyCity Darwin until SkyCity divested its interest in the SkyCity Darwin business in April 2019. Avril returned to SkyCity in November 2023 as General Manager Hospitality at SkyCity Adelaide.  Prior to returning to SkyCity, she was Executive Manager Food and Beverage and Property Services, and then General Manager, of the Mindil Beach Casino Resort in Darwin, Australia, from November 2020 to November 2023. 

Avril was named the 2002 Telstra Young Business Woman of the Year in the Northern Territory and holds a Bachelor of Laws from the Charles Darwin University and a Graduate Diploma in International Tourism and Hotel Management from the Southern Cross University.

Steve Salmon
Managing Director - SkyCity Malta

Close

Steve Salmon

Steve joined SkyCity in February 2019 in the newly created role of SkyCity Online Director and is currently Managing Director SkyCity Malta.  Based in the United Kingdom, Steve is responsible for developing and leading SkyCity’s online gaming strategy, including overseeing the operations of the SkyCity Online Casino.  He was instrumental in the development and launch of the SkyCity Online Casino in 2019. 

The SkyCity Online Casino is operated out of Malta by international iGaming company Gaming Innovation Group Inc (GiG) on behalf of SkyCity Malta Limited, an independently operated subsidiary of SkyCity.  GiG provides a full-suite online casino solution, including a technical platform, gaming content, managed services and front-end development.

Michelle Baillie
General Manager SkyCity Hamilton

Close

Michelle Baillie 

Michelle has over 25 years’ experience in the casino and hospitality industries in New Zealand and has held various senior managerial roles within SkyCity predominantly in casino operations, but also in hotel operations and project management positions.

Michelle was appointed General Manager SkyCity Queenstown in May 2008 and relocated to Hamilton in April 2014 to take up the position of General Manager SkyCity Hamilton. Michelle has overseen a number of positive changes to the Hamilton business achieving record results and winning awards, including Michelle being awarded CEO of the Year in the 2017 Waikato Business Awards.

Michelle has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Philosophy from the University of Canterbury. She was a Board member of the Queenstown Chamber of Commerce from 2012 - 2013, an Executive Committee member of the Hamilton Central Business Association from 2015 – 2016, and a Director of Women in Gaming and Hospitality Australasia from 2018 - 2023. Michelle is currently a trustee and co- chair of the SkyCity Hamilton Community Trust, a member of Global Women in New Zealand and a member of the international committee for Global Gaming Women. 

Jonathan Browne
General Manager SkyCity Queenstown

Close

Jonathan Browne

Jonathan Browne is the General Manager of SkyCity Queenstown. Jonathan joined SkyCity in May 2015 and is responsible for overseeing the operations of SkyCity Queenstown. Jonathan has extensive experience in the gaming, consumer goods, hospitality and tourism industries.

Governance

Corporate governance at SkyCity encompasses the company's decision-making structures and the mechanisms used to manage the organisation.  

The Board of SkyCity has a comprehensive set of corporate governance practices and procedures in place to ensure that these responsibilities are met.  

The SkyCity Board Charter sets out the corporate governance framework for the Board and its committees.

Below is a summary of SkyCity's Board and committee structure and membership information as well as the Board Charter and associated documents.

Audit Committee

 

The primary objective of the Board’s Audit Committee is to assist the Board of Directors in fulfilling its responsibilities relating to financial accounting and reporting, external and internal audit, tax planning and compliance and treasury matters.

Members:

Chad Barton - (Chair) 

Julian Cook

Kate Hughes

David Attenborough 

 

The primary objective of the Board’s Audit Committee is to assist the Board of Directors in fulfilling its responsibilities relating to financial accounting and reporting, external and internal audit, tax planning and compliance and treasury matters.

Members:

Chad Barton - (Chair) 

Julian Cook

Kate Hughes

David Attenborough 

People and Culture Committee

The Board's People and Culture Committee oversees the management of the human resource activities of the company, the senior management structure, senior executive performance, remuneration and incentivisation, and succession planning.

Members:

Julian Cook (Chair)

Chad Barton

David Attenborough 

Donna Cooper

The Board's People and Culture Committee oversees the management of the human resource activities of the company, the senior management structure, senior executive performance, remuneration and incentivisation, and succession planning.

Members:

Julian Cook (Chair)

Chad Barton

David Attenborough 

Donna Cooper

Governance and Nominations Committee

The Board's Governance and Nominations Committee monitors the overall governance of the business, Board (and committees) composition and performance, director independence, conflicts of interest, the ethics of the organisation, protection of the company's casino licences, statutory compliance, host responsibility and problem gambling programmes and initiatives.

The Committee's responsibilities include development and review of the corporate governance principles and framework for the company. The Committee is also responsible for monitoring shareholder relationships and employee shareholding matters and policies.

Members

Julian Cook (Chair)

Chad Barton

David Attenborough 

Kate Hughes

Glenn Davis

Donna Cooper

The Board's Governance and Nominations Committee monitors the overall governance of the business, Board (and committees) composition and performance, director independence, conflicts of interest, the ethics of the organisation, protection of the company's casino licences, statutory compliance, host responsibility and problem gambling programmes and initiatives.

The Committee's responsibilities include development and review of the corporate governance principles and framework for the company. The Committee is also responsible for monitoring shareholder relationships and employee shareholding matters and policies.

Members

Julian Cook (Chair)

Chad Barton

David Attenborough 

Kate Hughes

Glenn Davis

Donna Cooper

Risk and Compliance Committee

The primary objective of the Board’s Risk and Compliance Committee is to assist the Board of directors in fulfilling its responsibilities relating to risk assessment, management and monitoring and ongoing regulatory and other legal compliance.

Members

Kate Hughes (Chair)

Donna Cooper

Glenn Davis

Julian Cook 

 

The primary objective of the Board’s Risk and Compliance Committee is to assist the Board of directors in fulfilling its responsibilities relating to risk assessment, management and monitoring and ongoing regulatory and other legal compliance.

Members

Kate Hughes (Chair)

Donna Cooper

Glenn Davis

Julian Cook 

 

Board Charter and Documents

Ownership Profile

SkyCity currently has 15,556 independent shareholders.  

 

The majority of SkyCity's current shareholder base, by value, is represented by institutional investors (both domestic and offshore), with the balance predominantly held by New Zealand retail. ~78% of SkyCity stock is held by the top 20 shareholders as at 1 August 2024, with SkyCity's largest single shareholder holding around ~14%.

Twenty largest shareholders as at 1 August 2024.

 

Total ordinary shares on issue as at 1 August 2024 were 760,205,209 of which 1,471,616 were held in aggregate by the Public Trust on behalf of eligible and future participants pursuant to the SkyCity Senior Executive Long Term Incentive Plan and 2018 SkyCity Executive Long Term Incentive Plan. The ordinary shares are quoted on both the NZX Main Board and ASX under the ticker code ‘SKC’. No shares were held by the company directly as treasury stock (i.e. where SkyCity is the registered owner).

Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited JP Morgan Nominees Australia Limited

102,911,830 | 13.54

Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited

99,969,699 | 13.15

HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited

68,198,406 | 8.97

Accident Compensation Corporation – NZCSD

55,587,085 | 7.31

HSBC Nominees A/C NZ Superannuation Fund Nominees Limited - NZCSD

36,462,783 | 4.80

JPMorgan Chase Bank NA NZ Branch - Segregated Clients Acct – NZCSD

34,548,202 | 4.55

Citibank Nominees (New Zealand) Limited - NZCSD

22,519,319 | 2.96

HSBC Nominees (New Zealand) Limited A/C State Street - NZCSD

19,057,392 | 2.51

BNP Paribas Nominees Pty Ltd

17,912,456 | 2.36

HSBC Nominees (New Zealand) Limited - NZCSD

17,239,404 | 2.27

New Zealand Depository Nominee Limited

16,843,013 | 2.22

ANZ Custodial Services New Zealand Limited - NZCSD

11,081,262 | 1.46

Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited

10,741,689 | 1.41

ANZ Wholesale Australasian Share Fund - NZCSD

10,222,706 | 1.35

Tea Custodians Limited Client Property Trust Account – NZCSD

8,096,774 | 1.07

FNZ Custodians Limited

7,190,532 | 0.95

Masfen Securities Limited

5,750,986 | 0.76

Custodial Services Limited

5,531,182 | 0.73

Forsyth Barr Custodians Limited

5,027,516 | 0.66

Regulatory Environment

In New Zealand, casino gaming activities are regulated by the Department of Internal Affairs and Gambling Commission in accordance with the Gambling Act 2003. In Australia, casino gaming activities are regulated by the relevant State and Territory governments.

New Zealand

Casino licensing in New Zealand is governed by the Gambling Act 2003, which is administered by the Department of Internal Affairs and Gambling Commission.

Under the Gambling Act, two licences are required to operate a casino in New Zealand:

  • a site-specific casino venue licence; and
  • a casino operator's licence.

A casino venue licence typically runs for an initial term of 25 years from the date of opening of the relevant casino. However, a casino venue licence may be renewed for further successive periods of 15 years each under the Gambling Act. A casino venue licence has been issued for each of SkyCity's New Zealand casinos.

SkyCity Casino Management Limited (a wholly-owned subsidiary of SkyCity Entertainment Group Limited) holds a casino operator's licence for each of SkyCity's New Zealand casinos.

SkyCity's casino venue licences and casino operator's licences can be viewed at the Gambling Commission's website.

SkyCity has a venue licence for each of its three venues in New Zealand - Auckland, Hamilton and Queenstown.  The table below outlines the significant dates associated with the licences.

SkyCity Casino

Date Venue Licence Granted

Term of Venue Licence for Casino

Operational Start Date of Casino

Expiry Date

Auckland

24 April 1995

25 yrs from date of operation

2 February 1996

30 June 2048 (1) & (2)

Hamilton

10 December 1999

25 yrs from date of operation

19 September 2002

18 September 2027 (1)

Queenstown

18 June 1999

25 yrs from date of operation

7 December 2000

6 December 2025 (1)

Queenstown

(Wharf Casino)

NOW CLOSED

 18 June 1999

25 yrs from date of operation 

11 September 1999

Acquired by SkyCity 23 July 2013

11 September 2024 (1)

This licence was surrendered on 28 March 2024 

(1) The casino licences may be renewed for a further period of 15 years as provided by section 138 of the Gambling Act 2003.

(2) As extended by the New Zealand International Convention Centre Project and Licensing Agreement dated 5 July 2013.

Casino licensing in New Zealand is governed by the Gambling Act 2003, which is administered by the Department of Internal Affairs and Gambling Commission.

Under the Gambling Act, two licences are required to operate a casino in New Zealand:

  • a site-specific casino venue licence; and
  • a casino operator's licence.

A casino venue licence typically runs for an initial term of 25 years from the date of opening of the relevant casino. However, a casino venue licence may be renewed for further successive periods of 15 years each under the Gambling Act. A casino venue licence has been issued for each of SkyCity's New Zealand casinos.

SkyCity Casino Management Limited (a wholly-owned subsidiary of SkyCity Entertainment Group Limited) holds a casino operator's licence for each of SkyCity's New Zealand casinos.

SkyCity's casino venue licences and casino operator's licences can be viewed at the Gambling Commission's website.

SkyCity has a venue licence for each of its three venues in New Zealand - Auckland, Hamilton and Queenstown.  The table below outlines the significant dates associated with the licences.

SkyCity Casino

Date Venue Licence Granted

Term of Venue Licence for Casino

Operational Start Date of Casino

Expiry Date

Auckland

24 April 1995

25 yrs from date of operation

2 February 1996

30 June 2048 (1) & (2)

Hamilton

10 December 1999

25 yrs from date of operation

19 September 2002

18 September 2027 (1)

Queenstown

18 June 1999

25 yrs from date of operation

7 December 2000

6 December 2025 (1)

Queenstown

(Wharf Casino)

NOW CLOSED

 18 June 1999

25 yrs from date of operation 

11 September 1999

Acquired by SkyCity 23 July 2013

11 September 2024 (1)

This licence was surrendered on 28 March 2024 

(1) The casino licences may be renewed for a further period of 15 years as provided by section 138 of the Gambling Act 2003.

(2) As extended by the New Zealand International Convention Centre Project and Licensing Agreement dated 5 July 2013.

Australia - Adelaide

Casino licensing in South Australia is governed by the Casino Act 1997, which is administered by the Office of the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner (Consumer & Business Services).

In February 2000, SkyCity Australia Pty Limited (a wholly-owned subsidiary of SkyCity Entertainment Group Limited) was the successful bidder for Adelaide Casino Pty Limited, the holder of the casino licence for South Australia. The Adelaide Casino licence currently runs until 2085, with casino exclusivity in the State of South Australia until 2035.

The Approved Licensing Agreement can be viewed here. The Adelaide Casino Duty Agreement can be viewed here.

Casino gaming in South Australia is regulated by Consumer and Business (CBD)

Casino licensing in South Australia is governed by the Casino Act 1997, which is administered by the Office of the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner (Consumer & Business Services).

In February 2000, SkyCity Australia Pty Limited (a wholly-owned subsidiary of SkyCity Entertainment Group Limited) was the successful bidder for Adelaide Casino Pty Limited, the holder of the casino licence for South Australia. The Adelaide Casino licence currently runs until 2085, with casino exclusivity in the State of South Australia until 2035.

The Approved Licensing Agreement can be viewed here. The Adelaide Casino Duty Agreement can be viewed here.

Casino gaming in South Australia is regulated by Consumer and Business (CBD)

History

Locations

4 CASINOS across 4 LOCATIONS and ONLINE 

SkyCity Locations

  • Auckland
  • Adelaide
  • Hamilton
  • Queenstown
  • Online

Auckland

SkyCity Auckland is the flagship property of the SkyCity Entertainment Group, featuring a world-class casino, three hotels – The Grand by SkyCity, SkyCity Hotel, and the newly opened Horizon by SkyCity - over 16 bars and restaurants, a 700-seat theatre and the iconic Sky Tower. Located in the heart of Auckland’s CBD, the SkyCity Auckland precinct occupies ~295,000sqm of gross floor area across the majority of three city blocks.

The casino features the latest electronic gaming machines and automated table games, an array of table games, and luxurious VIP gaming facilities. EIGHT is an exclusive area reserved for VIP table game players and PLATINUM and VIP BLACK are exclusive areas reserved for VIP gaming machines players.

The SkyCity Auckland precinct features some of the city’s best eateries, including award-winning restaurants Masu by Nic Watt, The Sugar Club, Huami, Depot, Federal Delicatessen, Cassia, and Metita. The Grill returned to the precinct in August 2024 at a new location within the Horizon by SkyCity hotel.

SkyCity Auckland Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SkyCity Entertainment Group Limited, holds the casino venue licence for SkyCity Auckland.  This casino venue licence currently runs until 30 June 2048 (having been extended by the New Zealand International Convention Centre Project and Licensing Agreement dated 5 July 2013).

SkyCity Auckland is currently authorised to operate up to 150 gaming tables, 1,877 gaming machines and 240 fully automated table games.

Go to SkyCity Auckland

Adelaide

Located in and around the historic Railway Station building on the banks of the River Torrens, SkyCity Adelaide is South Australia’s only casino destination on the Festival Plaza forecourt adjacent to the Adelaide Festival Centre and Adelaide Convention Centre and near the Adelaide Oval.

SkyCity Adelaide is a world-class integrated entertainment hub featuring a 120-room luxury hotel – Eos by SkyCity, a wellness centre with a day spa, pool, sauna and gym, VIP gaming facilities, a function and conference facility for up to 650 guests, bars and restaurants.

The SkyCity Adelaide precinct is home to award-winning eateries, Madame Hanoi, The Kitchen, The Guardsman, iTL, the immersive rooftop destination Sôl Rooftop, and The District at SkyCity - Australia’s first fully functional microbrewery within a casino (operated in partnership with Pirate Life). SÔl Rooftop was awarded best Hotel Bar at the 2023 Hotel Management Awards for Hotel & Accommodation Excellence.

Eos by SkyCity is Adelaide’s most luxurious hotel. Since opening in December 2020, Eos by SkyCity has won a number of prestigious awards, including being named as the Best New Tourism Business at the South Australian Tourism Awards, Best Deluxe Hotel in South Australia at the Australian Hotels Association SA Awards for Excellence, and Best New Hotel at the Hotel Management Awards for Hotel and Accommodation Excellence.

Events @ SkyCity was awarded the coveted Caterer of the Year at the 2023 Restaurant & Catering National Awards for Excellence and was also awarded Best Meetings & Events Venue at the 2023 AHA – SA Hotel Industry Awards for Excellence.

The Adelaide casino licence currently runs until 2085, with exclusivity in the State of South Australia until 2035.

SkyCity Adelaide is currently authorised to operate 200 gaming tables and 1,500 gaming machines.

Go to SkyCity Adelaide

Hamilton

Situated within Hamilton’s historic Chief Post Office, a venue designed to maximise its superb riverside location on the banks of the Waikato River, SkyCity Hamilton features a casino, bars and restaurants, a conference centre and Hamilton’s only tenpin bowling alley – Bowl and Social.

The SkyCity Hamilton precinct is home to some of Hamilton’s favourite eating and drinking destinations right in the heart of Hamilton’s CBD, including The Local Taphouse and Eat Burger.

Over the last financial year, SkyCity has continued to invest in its core casino and hospitality businesses with a range of improvements across the SkyCity Hamilton property, including the refurbishment of the casino bar and restaurant - reopening as Amuse Bar & Kitchen in September 2023, and the opening of a second restaurant tenancy, Palate, by awarded Chef Mat McLean in February 2024 joining Shanghai Chinese restaurant.

Product and layout optimisation within the casino remains a key focus to ensure SkyCity Hamilton maintains its market leader position and to manage high demand for electronic gaming machines, particularly at peak times.

SkyCity Hamilton is currently authorised to operate 23 gaming tables and 339 gaming machines.

Go to SkyCity Hamilton

Queenstown

SkyCity Queenstown is centrally nestled in the heart of New Zealand’s stunning tourism capital.

SkyCity had operated two casinos in the Queenstown region up until the SkyCity Wharf casino venue licence was relinquished and cancelled in March 2024 – the SkyCity Wharf casino having been closed since March 2020 following the first COVID-19 lockdown in New Zealand.

In December 2012, SkyCity acquired full ownership of Queenstown Casinos Limited. the venue licence holder for SkyCity Queenstown Casino (which opened in 2002). Previously, SkyCity was a joint venture partner (60%) with Skyline Enterprises Limited (40%). The Queenstown casino licence currently runs until December 2025. 

SkyCity Queenstown continued to operate uninterrupted through FY24, benefiting from the ongoing and gradual return of international tourism, whilst still being supported solidly by the domestic market.

SkyCity Queenstown is authorised to operate 12 gaming tables and 86 gaming machines.

Go to SkyCity Queenstown

Online

The SkyCity Online Casino provides New Zealanders with an offshore online casino platform, featuring over 3,000 online games, ever increasing personalisation, a mobile first user experience and continually enhanced player safety features and tools.

The SkyCity Online Casino is operated out of Malta by international iGaming company Gaming Innovation Group Inc (GiG) on behalf of SkyCity Malta Limited, an independently operated subsidiary of the SkyCity Entertainment Group, and managed by a Managing Director based in Europe. GiG provides a full-suite online casino solution, including a technical platform, gaming content, managed services and front-end development.

In April 2022, SkyCity expanded its strategic partnership with GiG and contributed €25 million (around $40 million) of new equity in GiG to help fund GiG’s purchase of a sportsbook B2B online platform operator. In June 2024, SkyCity sold all of its shares in GiG for $55 million, net of transaction costs, realising a significant return on investment.

During FY24, the newly elected National-led Coalition Government in New Zealand committed to regulate the online casino industry to minimise harm, support tax collection, and provide consumer protections to New Zealanders. The Government subsequently announced a new online casino duty of 12% of net gaming revenue in March 2024, which came into effect from 1 July 2024. In July 2024, the Government announced its high-level approach to regulating online casinos in New Zealand, which includes the auctioning of a limited number of three-year online casino licences. Further details are expected to be announced later this year with the new regulatory system expected to be in place from early 2026.

SkyCity remains supportive of future regulation of online casino gaming in New Zealand with an emphasis on high standards of host responsibility and delivering community benefits in New Zealand, and continues to prepare for a regulated industry to deliver on the omnichannel opportunity for the Group.

Go to SkyCity Online

THE NEW ZEALAND INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE

The New Zealand International Convention Centre ("NZICC") will be the country's premier convention centre.

Go to NZICC Site

The New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) will be located in the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland City, making it one of the most connected convention centres in the world.  Designed collaboratively alongside event industry experts, the NZICC is a vertically stacked, flexible and modern building, creating a hub of innovation and positive exchange integrated into the fabric of a vibrant city.

NZICC will bring the world class convention facilities to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and will feature:

  • Capacity to host one-off events for up to 4000 people.

  • A flexible and divisible theatre (2850 seated capacity, 1100 sit-down catered events).

  • Multipurpose halls of 6700sqm that can accommodate 400 exhibition booths or over 3000 people for a sit-down dinner.

  • Up to 33 separate meeting rooms for breakout spaces or smaller events.

  • Close proximity to Auckland’s innovation ecosystem – universities, business headquarters and innovation hubs – allowing event organisers to tap into New Zealand’s leading knowledge centres.

  • An integrated atrium and public laneway encouraging networking and enhancing the delegate experience within a city full of excitement and sophistication, with over 11,000 hotel rooms, dining precincts, shopping and entertainment all within 10 minutes walking distance.

SkyCity’s investment in this world class infrastructure for Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is around NZ$750 million, which includes the NZICC facility, an adjacent laneway, expansion of car parking facilities and the development of the Horizon hotel, a new 300 room, 5 star hotel.  There will be more than 1,000 jobs created during the construction phase and once open NZICC will contribute significantly to the business events, hospitality and tourism sector and is expected to generate both social impact for the local community, and $90 Million of economic benefit for Aotearoa New Zealand.